We, and our partners at the Marine Resources Council, have had sightings of Right Whale #4040, Chiminea, and her first calf on many days during the last two weeks from New Smyrna Beach through Daytona Beach to near Matanzas Inlet, slowly making their way north. She may be beginning her northward migration, but it’s early, and we simply don’t know. At the same time, there are perhaps 3-4 other mother-calf pairs in the southeast, and, in addition, perhaps a number of females who are yet to calve. We encourage anyone along the shoreline to keep a good lookout!
Yesterday, just south of Matanzas Inlet, we recorded a possible human impact event. A paddleboarder approached the mother-calf pair. This is illegal (violates the 500-yard approach rule), and may introduce stress into the sensitive situation of a mother with a young calf. The images and drone footage were passed along to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, who may initiate an enforcement or warning action. Part of our mission is to help influence changes in human behavior (keep your distance) that will benefit the whales.
